Meet Mark Taylor, IoD ambassador and co-founder of Grant Hero
Mark Taylor is an IoD Ambassador and co-founder of Grant Hero, an AI-powered grant writing platform. With deep expertise in innovation funding, he helps UK startups secure non-dilutive finance and build products that deliver real impact.
Describe your current role/company:
I am co-founder at Grant Hero, an AI-powered grant writing tool streamlining Innovate UK applications by identifying suitable competitions and speeding up the application process. I’m also a Specialist Advisor at Business Surrey. I help innovative ventures secure non-dilutive funding across net zero, technology, and healthcare sectors.
Previous roles:
I worked at Innovate UK EDGE where I helped secure millions in grant funding for startups and scaleups. My background combines this grant writing expertise with product management experience, including former APM PM roles on major £200m+ programmes. I’ve personally secured 3 successful grants for my own ventures and helped secure £millions in non-dilutive funding for others. This unique blend enables me to help startups not only secure funding but also build market-ready products that deliver on their grant commitments.
How long have you been an IoD member?
I originally joined the IoD in 2017 for 3 years, then re-joined in 2024.
Describe your role as an Ambassador:
Grant funding is crucial for UK innovation and as ambassador I’m passionate about helping organisations unlock non-dilutive funding opportunities. Many brilliant innovations fail to secure funding due to poor applications – I’m here to change that by sharing expertise and connecting members with the right funding pathways.
What part of IoD membership do you value most?
The opportunity to connect innovative businesses with funding opportunities while building relationships with fellow directors who understand the challenges of scaling ventures. I also love connecting with a diverse range of people and staying on top of industry trends.
If you could give one message to the Prime Minister, what would it be?
Double down on R&D spending to help solidify and expand the UK’s position in cutting-edge technologies, particularly in digital and healthcare sectors.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when you started out in business?
Stick to your superpowers and team up with people who can plug the gaps in your skillset. It’s also crucial to focus and prioritise ruthlessly – winning a niche is far more valuable than being mediocre across multiple areas.
Connect with Mark : LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markyt/
